Joseph Smith quotes

Joseph Smith was an American religious leader and founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, also known as Mormonism. His visions and teachings led to the creation of the Book of Mormon and the establishment of a new religious community. He became a central figure in American religious history and inspired millions of followers. Here are 62 of his quotes:

I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book. (Joseph Smith)
The best way to obtain truth and wisdom is not to ask from books, but to go to God in prayer, and obtain divine teaching. View quote
Joseph Smith
One of the grand fundamental principles of Mormonism is to receive truth, let it come from whence it may. View quote
Joseph Smith
There is no such thing as immaterial matter. All spirit is matter, but is more fine or pure, and can only be discerned by purer eyes. We cannot see it, but when our bodies are purified, we shall see that it is all matter. View quote
Joseph Smith
If my life is of no value to my friends it is of none to myself. View quote
Joseph Smith
It is my meditation all the day, and more than my meat and drink, to know how I shall make the Saints of God comprehend the visions that roll like an overflowing surge before my mind. View quote
Joseph Smith
Take away the Book of Mormon and the revelations, and where is our religion? We have none. View quote
Joseph Smith
Truth is "Mormonism." God is the author of it. View quote
Joseph Smith
Friendship is one of the grand fundamental principles of "Mormonism"; [it is designed] to revolutionize and civilize the world, and cause wars and contentions to cease and men to become friends and brothers. View quote
Joseph Smith
Deep water is what I am wont to swim in. View quote
Joseph Smith
If I had not actually got into this work and been called of God, I would back out. But I cannot back out: I have no doubt of the truth. (Joseph Smith)
I told them I was but a man, and they must not expect me to be perfect; if they expected perfection from me, I should expect it from them; but if they would bear with my infirmities and the infirmities of the brethren, I would likewise bear with their infirmities. View quote
Joseph Smith
The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it. View quote
Joseph Smith
I have more to boast of than ever any man had. I am the only man that has ever been able to keep a whole church together since the days of Adam. A large majority of the whole have stood by me. Neither Paul, John, Peter, nor Jesus ever did it. I boast that no man ever did such a work as I. The followers of Jesus ran away from Him; but the Latter-day Saints never ran away from me yet. View quote
Joseph Smith
I teach the people correct principles and they govern themselves. View quote
Joseph Smith
A man is saved no faster than he gets knowledge. View quote
Joseph Smith
I see no faults in the Church, and therefore let me be resurrected with the Saints, whether I ascend to heaven or descend to hell, or go to any other place. And if we go to hell, we will turn the devils out of doors and make a heaven of it. Where this people are, there is good society. What do we care where we are, if the society be good? I don't care what a man's character is; if he's my friend-a true friend, I will be a friend to him, and preach the Gospel of salvation to him, and give him good counsel, helping him out of his difficulties. View quote
Joseph Smith
[I]t is not always wise to relate all the truth. Even Jesus, the Son of God, had to refrain from doing so, and had to restrain His feelings many times for the safety of Himself and His followers, and had to conceal the righteous purposes of His heart in relation to many things pertaining to His Father's kingdom. View quote
Joseph Smith
Many men say there is one God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are only one God. I say that is a strange God anyhow- three in one, and one in three! It is a curious organization. 'Father, I pray not for the world, but I pray for them which thou hast given me.' 'Holy Father, keep through Thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one as we are.' All are to be crammed into one God, according to sectarianism. It would make the biggest God in all the world. He would be a wonderfully big God- he would be a giant or a monster. View quote
Joseph Smith
I am going like a lamb to the slaughter; but I am calm as a summer's morning; I have a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward all men. I SHALL DIE INNOCENT, AND IT SHALL YET BE SAID OF ME - HE WAS MURDERED IN COLD BLOOD. View quote
Joseph Smith
Never be discouraged. If I were sunk in the lowest pits of Nova Scotia, with the Rocky Mountains piled on me, I would hang on, exercise faith, and keep up good courage, and I would come out on top. (Joseph Smith)
A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. View quote
Joseph Smith
I see no faults in the Church, and therefore let me be resurrected with the Saints, whether I ascend to heaven or descend to hell, or go to any other place. And if we go to hell, we will turn the devils out of doors and make a heaven of it. View quote
Joseph Smith
Our missionaries are going forth to different nations, and in Germany, Palestine, New Holland, the East Indies, and other places, the standard of truth has been erected: no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing, persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done. View quote
Joseph Smith
O Lord my God! View quote
Joseph Smith